Our approach to grantmaking is changing

You are here

Home » About Us

At First West Foundation, we’re always asking ourselves how we can be a better community partner to you. Granting is the cornerstone of our community work and in order to grow we’re evolving our processes through a trust-based philanthropy lens. 

Trust-based philanthropy is an approach to granting that seeks to shift power inequities between funders, charities and the communities they serve to create a healthier, more equitable sector for all. We want to partner with you and believe trust is the starting point for all our conversations. And as we move fully into trust-based philanthropy, we want you to know we’re listening and we’re here to help. 
 
Trust-Based Philanthropy in Action: 
  • We’ve made our application simpler and streamlined to include four questions
  • We’ll do the homework and get to know you better
  • If technology or process is a barrier, we’ll accept your application by phone. Simply call us and we’ll walk through the application with you and we’ll complete it together.
  • We have 10 multi-year grant commitments - we continue growing in this area through thoughtful conversations and fiscal stewardship
  • We ask for your feedback and take action to enhance and improve our efforts
  • Our Impact grants are released unrestricted
 
Learning and growing is fundamental to building trusting relationships with you and we are all in. To learn more about Trust-Based Philanthropy, please visit the Trust-Based Philanthropy project: (https://www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org/practices) 
 
We’re here to help. If you have questions about First West Foundation or want to learn more about our approach to granting, call us anytime at (250) 487-7337.

Donate Now!

Make a difference in your community

Contact usDrop us a line
or
Donate Now!Make a difference

CONNECT WITH US

Get to know us

The Foundation was created on the vision of helping create vibrant and healthy communities. By working in partnership with local organizations, the Foundation seeks to actively contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive and lasting impact upon community life. Read more about us >>

Categories